Hon. Alhaji Moshood Omuya celebrates fmr Governor Bello at 50
— Makes Clarification On The Eche Ane Festival celebrations
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Youth Mobilization and Voter Education, Hon. Alhaji Moshood Omuya,
Has described the former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello as an iconic leader whose modernization, unity, and infrastructural growth across the state.
In a statement personally signed by the SA, noted that the state enjoyed tremendous peace, progress and unity among the diverse ethnic groups in the state.
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The statement read in part said On this joyous occasion of the birthday of our leader, mentor, and a true symbol of transformational leadership, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the immediate past Executive Governor of Kogi State, I, Hon. Alhaji Moshood Omuya, Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Youth Mobilization and Voter’s Education, extend my heartfelt congratulations and profound gratitude for his impactful leadership and service to our dear state.
On the misgivings about the Eche Ane Festival in EbiraLand, he said as we celebrate this iconic leader whose tenure brought modernization, unity, and infrastructural growth across the state, it becomes necessary to address some unfortunate misinformation surrounding the recently concluded Eche Ane Festival in EbiraLand.
“A few social media bloggers and political propagandists have taken to discrediting the legacy of His Excellency Yahaya Bello, claiming that the masquerade festivities turned violent, with masquerades allegedly beating market women, Okada riders, and innocent citizens. Let us set the record straight.
“Before the advent of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s administration, the Eche Ane Festival was often marred by violence, with masquerades wielding “Aroka” to beat passersby, resulting in injuries, public unrest, and in some cases, crises that overwhelmed even the combined efforts of traditional rulers, peace committees, and security operatives.
“However, under the visionary leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the festival was remodeled and sanitized. His administration introduced regulatory frameworks, strengthened community policing, and promoted cultural harmony, transforming what was once a chaotic celebration into a vibrant, youth-driven, peaceful cultural expression that we are now proud to call our own.
“Moreover, this is a leader who, while respecting tradition, built and renovated Central Mosques in all 21 local government areas of the state, promoting both religious harmony and infrastructural development. This alone is a testament to his commitment to inclusive governance, where culture and religion thrive side-by-side under peace, progress, and respect.
“His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the current Executive Governor of our beloved state, has not only continued in this noble path but has elevated it further. His administration has prioritized youth engagement, security, and cultural promotion, and under his watch, the 2025 Eche Ane Festival witnessed the highest youth participation and peaceful conduct in years.
“This synergy between the past and present leaders showcases a continuity of vision, purpose, and leadership. The duo of Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo embodies loyalty, capacity, and commitment to Kogi State’s unity and growth.
“As we celebrate this birthday milestone of our leader, I call on the youths of Kogi State to reject propaganda, embrace unity, and support the administration of Governor Ododo. Let us continue to champion his policies and programmes, knowing fully well that our collective future is secured under his able leadership.
“Once again, happy birthday to a living legend and a pacesetter, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello. Your legacy lives on in every community you touched, every youth you empowered, and every tradition you preserved with dignity.
